The Most Popular Hot Drink, Ranked

Choose the hot drink you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 22, 2024 07:12
In the chill of early mornings or the calm of late nights, many find comfort in a hot drink. It's the soothing warmth that not only fends off the cold but also offers a moment of respite from the bustling day to day life. The preferences for these comforting beverages vary widely across different cultures and individuals, making it intriguing to see which one tops the list as the favorite. By casting a vote for your preferred hot drink, you contribute to a collective voice on what stands out as the most cherished warmer among the masses. This ongoing tally helps newcomers and enthusiasts alike see which drinks are currently capturing the hearts of people around the world. Your participation shapes the outcome, giving real insight into global trends and preferences.

What Is the Most Popular Hot Drink?

  1. 1
    40
    votes
    Coffee is the most popular hot drink in the world, with an estimated 2.25 billion cups consumed every day. It has a stimulating effect due to the presence of caffeine, and is enjoyed for its rich, robust flavor.
  2. 2
    19
    votes

    Tea

    Tea is the second most popular hot drink, with a long history of consumption that dates back thousands of years. It is known for its calming effects and health benefits, and is enjoyed in many different varieties and flavors.
    Tea is a popular crop grown in the region of Darjeeling in India. It is a type of aromatic beverage made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. The tea produced in Darjeeling is highly regarded for its unique flavor, aroma, and high quality.
    • Flavor: Delicate and floral
    • Aroma: Muscatel notes and hints of fruitiness
    • Color: Light golden or amber
    • Caffeine Content: Moderate
    • Leaf Type: Small and tightly rolled
  3. 3
    28
    votes
    Hot chocolate is a sweet, creamy drink that is popular around the world, especially during the winter months. It is made with cocoa powder, sugar, and milk, and can be flavored with spices or topped with whipped cream.
    Hot Chocolate is a rich and indulgent drink made from melted chocolate combined with steamed milk and typically sweetened with sugar. It is often topped with whipped cream or marshmallows, adding an extra layer of creaminess and decadence. The resulting beverage is velvety, smooth, and incredibly comforting, making it a popular choice for cold weather or as a comforting treat.
    • Temperature: Served hot
    • Main Ingredients: Chocolate, milk, sugar
    • Variations: Dark chocolate, white chocolate, flavored syrups
    • Toppings: Whipped cream, marshmallows, sprinkles
    • Texture: Smooth and creamy
    Hot Chocolate in other rankings
  4. 4
    11
    votes
    Chai is a spiced tea that originated in India, and is now popular around the world. It is made with black tea, milk, and a blend of spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger. Chai is known for its warming, invigorating qualities.
    Chai is a spiced tea blend that originated in India and is known for its rich and aromatic flavors. It is a combination of black tea, herbs, and spices, creating a delicious and warming beverage. The traditional Indian way of preparing chai involves brewing black tea with a mixture of aromatic spices, milk, and sweeteners like sugar or honey. The resulting drink is distinctively spicy, creamy, and slightly sweet.
    • Tea Type: Black tea
    • Origin: India
    • Primary Flavors: Spices (e.g., cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, ginger)
    • Preparation: Traditionally brewed with milk and sweeteners
    • Serving Temperature: Hot
  5. 5
    19
    votes
    Mulled Wine
    Angela Huster · CC0
    Mulled wine is a warm, spiced drink that is popular during the winter months. It is made by heating red wine with spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, and can be sweetened with sugar or honey. Mulled wine is enjoyed for its rich, comforting flavor.
    Mulled wine is a warm and spiced beverage typically enjoyed during the fall and winter seasons. It is made by heating red wine with various spices and sweeteners. The heat allows the flavors of the spices to infuse into the wine, creating a comforting and aromatic drink.
    • Wine Type: Red wine is most commonly used to make mulled wine, but white wine or even rosé can be used as well.
    • Spices: Typical spices used in mulled wine include cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, star anise, and cardamom.
    • Sweeteners: Sugar, honey, or maple syrup are often used to balance the spiciness and add sweetness to the drink.
    • Fruit: Some recipes call for the addition of sliced oranges, lemons, or apples to enhance the flavor and add a citrusy note.
    • Heating Method: Mulled wine is traditionally heated on the stovetop over low heat, allowing the flavors to meld together slowly.
  6. 6
    12
    votes
    Apple cider is a sweet, tangy drink that is made from fresh apples. It is often served hot, and can be flavored with spices such as cinnamon or cloves. Apple cider is enjoyed for its refreshing taste and health benefits.
    Apple cider is a popular fall beverage made from freshly-pressed apples. It is a non-alcoholic drink that offers a sweet and tangy flavor, often enjoyed hot or cold. Apple cider is known for its distinct taste and comforting aroma, making it a quintessential beverage during the autumn season.
    • Ingredients: Fresh apples
    • Preparation: Pressing apples to extract juice
    • Flavor: Sweet and tangy
    • Serving Temperature: Hot or cold
    • Season: Autumn
    Apple Cider in other rankings
  7. 7
    5
    votes
    Herbal Tea
    soultea.de/André Helbig · CC BY-SA 3.0
    Herbal tea is a caffeine-free alternative to traditional tea, and is made from a variety of plants and herbs. It can be enjoyed for its calming, soothing effects, and is often used to treat various health conditions.
    Herbal tea is a type of infusion made from various plant materials such as leaves, flowers, fruit, seeds, or roots. Unlike traditional teas that come from the Camellia sinensis plant, herbal teas are caffeine-free and offer a variety of flavors and health benefits. It is a popular fall beverage often enjoyed for its soothing and calming properties.
    • Preparation: Steeping the herbs in hot water for a certain period of time
    • Caffeine content: Caffeine-free
    • Flavors: Varies depending on the ingredients used
    • Health benefits: Varies depending on the herbs used, but often include relaxation, digestion support, immune system boost, etc.
    • Ingredients: Plant materials such as leaves, flowers, fruit, seeds, or roots
  8. 8
    5
    votes
    Matcha is a type of green tea that is ground into a fine powder and whisked with hot water. It is known for its high concentration of antioxidants and caffeine, and is enjoyed for its earthy, grassy flavor.
    Matcha is a type of powdered green tea that has a vibrant green color and a unique, slightly bitter taste. It is made from shade-grown tea leaves, which are carefully ground into a fine powder to create the distinctively smooth and earthy flavor.
    • Color: Vibrant green
    • Taste: Slightly bitter and earthy
    • Preparation: Requires whisking the powdered tea with hot water until frothy
    • Cultivation: Grown in the shade to enhance chlorophyll content
    • Grinding: Ground into a fine powder using stone mills
  9. 9
    6
    votes
    Glühwein is a warm, spiced wine that is popular in Germany and Austria during the winter months. It is made with red wine, spices, and sugar, and is often served at Christmas markets and other festive events. Glühwein is enjoyed for its rich, comforting flavor.
    Glühwein is a traditional German beverage consumed during the winter months, especially around Christmas and New Year's. The name 'Glühwein' translates to 'glow wine' in English, referring to the warmth and comforting feeling it provides when consumed. It is a type of mulled wine, made by heating red wine with various spices and flavorings.
    • Ingredients: Red wine, cinnamon, cloves, star anise, orange peel, sugar
    • Serving temperature: Hot, usually heated between 60-70 degrees Celsius
    • Serving vessel: Mugs or glasses with handles, often decorated with Christmas-themed designs
    • Alcohol content: Varies depending on the recipe, but typically around 8-13% ABV
    • Aroma: Warm and spicy, with hints of cinnamon and citrus
  10. 10
    6
    votes
    Miso Soup
    Ocdp · CC0
    Miso soup is a traditional Japanese soup that is made with miso paste, dashi (a type of broth), and various ingredients such as tofu, seaweed, and green onions. It is enjoyed for its umami flavor and health benefits.
    Miso soup is a traditional Japanese hot drink made from fermented soybean paste called miso. It has a rich umami flavor and a savory taste. Miso soup is typically served as a side dish with meals or as a breakfast staple in Japanese cuisine.
    • Main Ingredients: Fermented soybean paste (miso), dashi stock, tofu, seaweed, and various vegetables.
    • Flavor: Savory and umami-rich.
    • Texture: Thin broth with tender tofu and vegetable pieces.
    • Serving Temperature: Hot.
    • Cultural Significance: Miso soup is a staple in Japanese cuisine and is consumed daily by many Japanese people.

Missing your favorite hot drink?

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Ranking factors for popular hot drink

  1. Sales and consumption data
    Analyzing the sales figures and overall consumption rates of different hot drinks globally or within a specific region helps to understand their popularity.
  2. Cultural preferences
    Different regions have distinct cultural preferences for hot drinks, like tea being popular in the UK and chai in India. Considering these preferences can affect the overall ranking.
  3. Availability and accessibility
    The ease of access to various hot drinks impacts their popularity. Some drinks might be more readily available and accessible to a broader audience, making them more popular.
  4. Marketing and promotion
    The exposure a hot drink receives through marketing campaigns and social media play a significant role in its popularity.
  5. Health benefits
    Consumer trends favoring healthier drink options can impact the popularity of certain hot drinks. For example, green tea might be more popular due to its perceived health benefits.
  6. Taste and flavor preferences
    Personal taste and flavor preferences vary among individuals, impacting the popularity of specific hot drinks.
  7. Seasonal trends
    Some hot drinks may be more popular during specific seasons, such as hot chocolate in winter or spiced lattes during fall.
  8. Price
    The price of a hot drink can play a role in its popularity, with more affordable options potentially being more popular among a broader audience.
  9. Brand recognition
    Well-known brands tend to have more popular hot drinks due to their familiarity and widespread recognition.
  10. Preparation methods
    The ease or complexity of preparing a particular hot drink can affect its popularity. Some people may prefer drinks that are simple to make, while others might enjoy more intricate preparation processes.
  11. Customization options
    The ability to customize a hot drink (e.g., adding various sweeteners, flavors, or milk options) can attract a wider audience and make it more popular.
  12. Social and environmental factors
    Attributes such as sustainability, fair-trade practices, and organic ingredients might also impact a hot drink's popularity.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular hot drink. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or beverage is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2535 views
  • 145 votes
  • 10 ranked items

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Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each beverage once every 24 hours. The rank of each beverage is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most popular hot drink

Hot drinks have been a staple in many cultures for centuries, providing warmth and comfort during cold weather or simply as a comforting beverage. From tea to coffee to hot chocolate, there are a wide variety of hot drinks to choose from. But which one is the most popular? At StrawPoll, we've asked thousands of people to weigh in on this question, and the results might surprise you! Whether you're a die-hard coffee fan or swear by a cup of tea, join us as we explore the world of hot drinks and discover which one reigns supreme.

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